Why Isn’t Availability Listed

If you have ever wondered why isn’t availability listed on the Old Growth Mill site, you are not alone. Most people are used to seeing a catalog, a price list, and an “in stock” indicator. Old Growth Mill does not operate like a retail lumber yard. We work with a finite supply of storm-fallen trees, and each tree behaves differently once it is evaluated, bucked, and milled.

This approach often surprises people searching for old growth lumber availability or trying to determine whether material is ready to purchase. The reality is that listing availability before proper evaluation would be misleading and unreliable.

Availability depends on the tree, not a shelf

At Old Growth Mill, availability is tied to individual trees and specific cut plans. A tree may look promising from the outside, but internal stress, hidden defects, or metal can change what it can safely produce. That is why we do not post a running inventory the way a commercial yard might.

When people ask about custom sawmill availability, what they are really asking is whether the material can meet their intended use. That answer only comes after careful evaluation, not before.

Storm-fallen timber works on real-world timelines

Because Old Growth Mill specializes in storm-fallen timber availability, timelines are shaped by access, condition, and recovery logistics. A log may be documented today, moved next week, and milled weeks or months later, depending on conditions.

Even after milling, old growth wood continues to move as it acclimates. Stability and long-term performance matter more than speed, especially when the material is rare and non-repeatable.

Tree numbers explain what is actually available

Instead of listing generic inventory, Old Growth Mill assigns each tree a unique identifier. This tree number availability system lets us talk about real material, not assumptions.

When you contact us with a tree number, we can explain what stage it is in, what characteristics have been observed, and what the realistic options are based on its condition and intended cut strategy.

Finite material requires selective disclosure

Old growth timber is a finite resource. Once a tree is milled, it cannot be replaced. That finite timber supply means we are careful about how and when availability is discussed. Publishing an “available now” list would often be inaccurate and could lead to disappointment or misaligned expectations.

How to get a clear availability answer

The best way to determine availability is to start a conversation. A few details go a long way toward a clear answer.

  • Intended use: furniture parts, slabs, beams, or structural material
  • Target dimensions: thickness, width, and length ranges
  • Quantity: approximate board footage or number of pieces
  • Flexibility: ability to adapt to what a specific tree yields
  • Timing: realistic deadlines, including drying or acclimation

With that information, Old Growth Mill can explain whether a suitable tree is available, whether one is in process, or whether waiting is the responsible choice.

Common questions

Why isn’t availability listed publicly?

Because availability changes as trees are evaluated and processed. Listing inventory before that work is complete would not reflect the real condition of the material.

Do videos or photos mean material is available?

Videos and photos show the process and character of storm-fallen trees. They do not automatically indicate that lumber is ready for sale. Availability still depends on evaluation and cut planning.

Can Old Growth Mill support repeat production runs?

Old Growth Mill is best suited for unique projects, specialty material, and carefully planned runs where flexibility is realistic. If a project requires consistent commodity supply, we will say so upfront.

Next steps

If you are trying to determine availability, reach out with your intended use and basic dimensions. If you have a tree number in mind, include it. We will give you the most accurate answer possible based on real conditions, not assumptions.


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